While the cosmetic frenzy continues to brew all around us, a smarter move towards enhancing the quality and appeal of the skin is simply to eat right.

Nevertheless, we understand that proper dieting is easier said than done and a lot of people wouldn’t even know where and how to start. We have compiled a list of foods that will definitely help to get your skin glowing in no time. Here they are!

Read Also: Top 5 Benefits of Soy Milk

Apples

Whether you slice them in your salad or use their nutrients on your skin, apples can help you glow in ways you can’t imagine. Aside from the popular saying that one apple a day keeps the doctor away, apples have got an amazing taste, they’re full of vitamin C which is a crucial ingredient for your complexion.

Vitamin C speeds up skin’s cell production, which makes you look radiant, and strengthens hair and nails. Apples also contain B vitamins, like B5 and B9, proven to combat acne and irritation.

Banana

Banana is rich in potassium and vitamins A, C and E, bananas are ideal for the skin as they help to restore damaged skin. While vitamin A restores natural oil for the skin, vitamin E repairs damaged skin and lighten age spots. Vitamin C, on the other hand, prevents cell oxidation and wrinkles. Bananas can be made into an effective and inexpensive facial mask too. Bananas provide 22 percent of the daily value for vitamin B-6 and 17 percent of the Daily Value for vitamin C, as well as trace amounts of niacin, riboflavin, zinc and selenium, which all help your skin.

Avocado

While using avocado directly on the face is a popular natural beauty treatment, many people have found that just eating avocado regularly can do wonders for their complexion and generally get the skin glowing.

Avocados are rich in healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that can improve your skin from the inside. One of the main avocado skin benefits comes from their high oleic acid content. This monounsaturated fatty acid maintains moisture in the epidermal layer of your skin, helping to make it soft and hydrated.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, which helps with cell turnover. This process is a must for your face because dead cells and lack of cell turnover can cause a dull skin tone. Its vitamin contents help accelerate wound healing, produces collagen which helps maintain skin’s youthful elasticity, and is essential to helping us cope with stress. It even appears to help protect our body against toxins that may be linked to cancer.

Water Melon

Watermelon contains lycopene, a colourful plant pigment with powerful antioxidant properties that may improve your beauty by encouraging smoother skin.

It has a rich antioxidant base which helps to prevent ageing of the skin. They are also considered as natural toners and good for exfoliating the skin. They prevent the skin from sun damage; moisturize the skin and provide a fresh and youthful look.

Eggs

Eggs offer up a hefty dose of protein without tons of fat, and less fat is a good thing for your skin: Higher fat diets are associated with ageing skin. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a 17-gram increase in fat intake increased your odds of developing wrinkles by 28%.

Water

Are you surprised to find water on this list? You are probably asking whether water is food, hey, go back to primary school if you are still confused. Water is a class of food but it still remains comfortably the greatest miracle of nature.

Effortlessly, a good and regular intake of water sorts out a lot of medical issues including skin related issues. Water keeps the skin hydrated—and staying hydrated gets the skin glowing, appear plumper and less wrinkled. But there’s another reason to fill up on water over other drinks: You’ll save on sugar.

In conclusion, one of the easiest and cheapest ways to stay healthy and have a glowing skin is simply to eat right. No doubt, there are lots of appetizing foods out there but the truth is most of these foods we see as appetizing are processed foods. These foods go along way to damage the natural tone and texture of the skin and sometimes leads to health complications when not balanced properly. Therefore, subscribe to healthier choices of foods like some of the ones provided in this article; you sure will be doing your body and skin a great service.

A lot of people have been anticipating the era of 5G connectivity due to the great benefits it provides users with, such as Fast internet connection, and increased internet security.

Fifth Generation (popularly known as 5G) is a new generation wireless network technology, which has shown signs of its capability in aiding innovations and producing excellent user experience for various businesses in different industries.

The Internet of Things (IoT) along with 5G are two essential macro technology shifts which will help in shaping the future of today’s technology. 5G is capable of providing download speeds 3 times faster than 4G, 3G and other mobile network technologies, and also transfer data to and from millions of devices per square kilometres in a matter of seconds.

5G is a significant shift in the way technology is utilized in our world, and IoT along with 5G has proven to be a breakthrough in internet technology, and the reasons are not far-fetched. 

Why 5G and IoT?

With the increase in the production and use of IoT devices, the need for faster and more reliable Internet connectivity is essential. People long to communicate with long-distance relations, control other devices, and appliances at the swipe of a single screen, and IoT makes this possible.

Think of the different possibilities to be achieved with 5G; an example is the Smart Homes innovation. With the touch of a button, you can control your home’s functionalities, such as managing temperature regulation, closing windows, security checks, etc.

5G will enable users to control a lot of other devices from remote locations with the use of little accessories such as smartwatches or mobile phones, carrying out such functions within areas where fast internet connections with strong signals are required in real-time.

Ericsson, a technology-based company, performed a survey some time ago, to learn how 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) will expand and create more opportunities for individuals, and industries. The survey was sent to 650 decision-makers from about eight different vital sectors. 

Some of the results gathered from the survey, and the different industries are listed below.

Health care

The survey gotten from the healthcare industry has shown high expectations from executives for 5G to pave the way for advanced implementation of new services, and creation of new products which will be of great benefit to the general public.

Sports

A lot of us have heard about different innovations in different sports but have not been able to identify where these innovations are from. An example is the Goal Line technology, which uses cameras to recognize the validity of a goal scored. Very soon, that’ll be changed, because IoT and 5G are here.

Another example is the internet-connected Tennis racket, which will be great for players hoping to improve their game. The tennis racket uses sensors to determine each swing made by the player and helps the player find better ways of advancing his/her game.

Logistics

5G network will enable advanced tracking with the use of IoT sensors. With its high speed and low latency, data can be gathered in real-time, without high consumption of energy or going through strenuous processes. IoT and 5G make all these innovations possible at the tap or swipe of a button.

Smart Homes & Cities

As mentioned earlier, 5G and IoT will enable effective and efficient use of applications associated with smart Homes & cities Initiatives. Some of such initiatives include waste, water and electricity management, traffic monitoring, and so on.

No more long queues at the bank, fuelling stations and so on, with the introduction of cashless policies, and smart cars respectively. Authentication services will also be made more accessible, with the aid of advanced database management software.

Security

A lot of questions have been raised concerning security, and I’d like to be the first to assure you that 5G and IoT have got that covered. An advanced version of older authentication processes will be employed, which will enable the compilation of individual data.

Other processes used in carrying out recognition of users will also be employed to ensure that each community is safe and free from threats of crime.

5G and IoT are the top duo of Innovation in Internet Technology and will be of great benefit to humans, in making life very comfortable. Don’t worry if 5G is not in your country yet, because it’s coming soon, and will provide better services than current internet connections.

Well! That’s our view on how IoT and 5G will improve our world. What do you think? Let’s hear from you, drop your comments in the box below!

To get clear skin is not rocket science but here are some tips that would ensure you get the skin you so desire. There are different skin types ranging from the dry, oily, sensitive, combination, aged skin & each has their unique ways of maintaining their smoothness & youthfulness.

I have highlighted 12 tips to get you started on your skin care journey.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #1: DON’T POP!
If you’re after a clear skin, the habit of popping pimples when you notice them on your face or when it seems ripe should come to a HALT!

As much as it may seem as the fastest solution to getting rid of it especially when you have an event or important occasion to show up for, you are also exposing your face to scarring, acnes & bacteria from your hands & the air as it turns into an open wound after popping it.

Pro tip: apply white toothpaste (any plain white toothpaste) a night before when you notice it to reduce the visibility of the pimple the next day.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #2: CLEANSE TWICE A DAY AND AFTER SWEATING.
This is basically rule number one of skincare, but it’s so important that we’re repeating it again! Let’s be honest; we’d all be lying if we said we never, ever went to bed without washing our face properly. Sometimes it happens, but to really ensure your clearest complexion possible, you need to follow a clear skin routine twice per day plus after breaking a sweat. Whether rain or shine or a hectic schedule, there’s no excuse not to wash or cleanser your face with a mild facial cleanser at these times. I strongly recommend that those with acne-prone skin cleanse every morning and night and after every sweat session.

Use a mild facial cleanser that’s formulated to remove impurities from the skin without over-drying, such as the Perfect Glow Organics Facial Cleanser. Toss makeup removing wipes or micellar water in your gym bag so you can easily swipe away sweat after your next workout, too.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #3: EXFOLIATE
When it comes to achieving clear skin, exfoliating should be at the top of your list.The idea of dead skin cells on your face is not too pleasing, after all. While it’s easy to think that exfoliation is only for specific skin types, the truth is, every skin type can benefit from it. And the only way to do so is to use the right products without overdoing it. Some skin types can handle daily exfoliation, while others can only handle it once a week. Listen to your skin, and you’ll be good to go.

Over here in Lagos, Nigeria, our weather is known to be as unstable as Naira is to Dollar so you can’t skip exfoliating. Whenever you step into the sun or you get stuck in traffic for hours once you get home I always advise to exfoliate because that stress is not good for the skin glow.

As for exfoliation we recommend Perfect Glow Organics Milky Exfoliating Face and Body scrub, which is made with a blend of sea salt, goat milk and tea tree oil. This one will get the job done, it’s gentle on the skin, deals with white heads and black heads, to reveal a well relaxed & smooth skin.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #4: STEAMING
This one in particular is under emphasized and most times seen as a time waster but I’m here to tell you that this step should be your holy grail.

Steaming your face is a relaxing way to treat yourself at the end of a long day. It helps to increase circulation in your face and opens your pores so you can cleanse away impurities. To do a steam facial, you start with a steam, then use a mask to draw dirt from your pores and finish with toner and moisturizer.

Now there are a lot of steaming machines you could get from cosmetologists or dermatologists around you and then there’s the old-fashioned way that has never failed.

Pro-tip: boil water, let it boil so that you can see the steam coming out. Instantly pour it in a bowl don’t let the steam escape, grab a thick towel or duvet, drape over your head & allow the steam heat your face for 5-10 minutes then do a facial mask.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #5: USE AN EXFOLIATING FACE MASK
Cleansing is an absolute must, as we’ve already established, but there’s another step you can take in your weekly skin care routine to keep breakouts at bay: using an exfoliating face mask. Try using the Perfect Glow Organics Pure Clay Exfoliating and Refining Face Mask which helps remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from our skin, all of which can contribute to the development of those unwanted pimples, once or twice per week.

Bonus: Applying a face mask can also help lower those stress levels!

CLEAR SKIN TIP #6: MANAGE YOUR STRESS LEVELS
We know, we know, keeping stress levels low is so much easier said than done! Still, per the hustle and bustle periods of high stress can make your skin more sensitive and also trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage clear skin, treat yourself to some much-deserved moments of self-care that can help mitigate stress. Try a nice hot bath or applying a face mask, and vow to get enough sleep and make time for the things you enjoy.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #7: USE THESE ACNE-FIGHTING INGREDIENTS
When it comes to acne products, there are certain ingredients you’ll want to look out for, including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids. Pick one of these ingredients to try, then give it time to work. If your acne is still being stubborn after four weeks, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to determine your best plan of action. As for what not to do, don’t introduce your complexion to every acne-fighting ingredient out there, you don’t want to overwhelm your skin.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #8: REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP AT NIGHT
We cannot stress this enough, always remove your makeup before you hit the hay! When your makeup sits on your skin overnight, it can mix with dirt and oils on the surface of your skin, which can cause blemishes to pop up. Make sure you’re completely removing your makeup before you catch any Z’s.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #9: CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES
When you’re looking for the answers for how to get clear skin, one of the easiest things you can do is ensure that your makeup brushes and tools are regularly cleaned. Our makeup brushes collect dirt, oil, and other impurities that can wreak havoc on our skin. So I recommend cleaning your makeup brushes and tools every seven to ten days to protect your skin.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #10: ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN
If you haven’t been diligent about sun protection, consider this your sign to start. Spending prolonged periods of time in the sun sans proper protection can damage your skin and lead to visible signs of aging showing up down the road. To protect your skin, add a broad-spectrum sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF to your clear skin routine.

Keep in mind, you should always take additional sun protection measures as well. Take steps to limit your time in the sun (especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which are peak hours), seeking shade, and covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #11: CONSIDER A CLEAR SKIN DIET
A clear skin diet involves drinking of more water, eating more veggies and fruits, cutting out carbonated drinks and reducing intake of sugar content. There is no denying that a solid skin care routine is the key to clear skin. However, there is research supporting the idea that what you eat plays a part in how your skin looks, too.

Increasing your water intake can help boost your skin’s hydration levels. Additionally, vitamin C has been linked to providing anti-aging benefits to the skin. So, why not adopt a clear skin diet with foods such as grapefruits and oranges, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupe, baked potatoes, and tomatoes, which has been revealed are excellent sources of vitamin C.

CLEAR SKIN TIP #12: EXERCISE REGULARLY
“We tend to focus on the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity and those are important. But anything that promotes healthy circulation also helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant,” says dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, author of Simple Skin Beauty.

If you have dermatological conditions such as acne, rosacea or psoriasis you may need to take special care to keep your skin protected while exercising. But don’t let skin problems prevent you from being active. Here’s why.
By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. “Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body, including the skin,” says Marmur. In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells. Contrary to some claims, exercise doesn’t detoxify the skin. The job of neutralizing toxins belongs mostly to the liver. “But by increasing blood flow, a bout of exercise helps flush cellular debris out of the system,” Marmur tells WebMD. “You can think of it as cleansing your skin from the inside.”

For more tips and enquiries you can contact me on 08082119839, Instagram: @perfectgloworganics

Uche Nwakaego is the founder of Perfect Glow Organics, with a mission to show black women how beautiful their skin tone is without bleaching or using harsh chemicals on them. She has engaged in different schools Popup fairs as well as local pop up fairs with the aim of leaving a positive impact on why taking care of your natural skin should be paramount and make you proud of it.